Lake Superior, known for its breathtaking beauty and treacherous temperament, has been the stage for countless maritime stories. Among them, the narrative of the schooner-barge A.W. COMSTOCK stands as a poignant reminder of the lake’s unpredictable nature and the challenges faced by sailors. The vessel’s brief existence and tragic demise in September 1895 offer a glimpse into the perils of navigating the vast waters of Lake Superior.
In 1895, Abram Smith & Sons in Algonac, Michigan, brought the schooner-barge A.W. COMSTOCK to life. Constructed as a steambarge, the vessel was launched with dimensions of 200x36x12.6 feet and a tonnage of 805.90 gross tons and 777.85 net tons. A.W. COMSTOCK’s potential as a cargo carrier was apparent, and it set out to embark on a new chapter in the maritime world.
The events leading to the vessel’s tragic end began on September 23, 1895. Laden with 51,500 bushels of wheat, the A.W. COMSTOCK was in tow of the steambarge Viking, accompanied by the schooner W.K. Moore. The vessels ventured across Lake Superior, unaware of the imminent storm that would test their mettle.
As a gale with estimated winds of 70 mph raged across the lake, the A.W. COMSTOCK encountered a formidable adversary. Amid the tempest, the vessel broke free from its tow with the Viking, leaving it at the mercy of the unforgiving elements. The crew of eight men, facing the wrath of the storm, abandoned ship and took refuge in the lifeboats.
The crew’s ordeal on the lifeboats lasted for hours, their small craft tossed about in the relentless waves. Miraculously, they were saved from the clutches of Lake Superior’s fury. At approximately ten o’clock, the steamer John J. McWilliams came to their rescue, plucking them from the perilous waters. Despite their rescue, Captain W. McArthur suffered significant injuries, including a broken leg and three broken ribs, a testament to the violence of the storm.
The A.W. COMSTOCK, having only been in service for three short months, succumbed to the storm’s wrath and foundered off Stannard Rock. As the vessel sank into the depths of Lake Superior, it carried with it the hopes and dreams invested in its journey. The vessel’s value, estimated at $45,000, and its cargo of wheat were lost, leaving a void in the maritime community.
The tale of the A.W. COMSTOCK is a somber reminder of the power that Lake Superior wields and the challenges mariners faced in their quest to navigate its waters. The vessel’s tragic demise underscores the unpredictability of nature and the resilience of those who brave the elements. The A.W. COMSTOCK’s legacy lives on, a testament to the stories of bravery, loss, and the enduring spirit of those who sailed upon Lake Superior’s tempestuous seas.
